Matter of Facts

The LMLIP Fact Sharing Work Group has conducted research on immigration trends in London and Middlesex. The purpose of this research is to better understand our local population and to counteract common misconceptions about immigrants and immigration.

Their Matter of Facts series shares their valuable findings.

Immigrants in the London CMA most commonly hold permanent positions and are employed in sales and services, trades, and business occupations. Non-permanent residents also show a high rate of permanent employment, although they remain most concentrated in sales and service roles.

Recent immigrants are most concentrated in North Central London and White Oaks, while non-permanent residents are primarily clustered in North Central and the Northeastern districts.

In a survey of 124 temporary residents in London and Middlesex, individuals aged 26–35, particularly men, reported higher levels of discrimination in the past three years than both younger and older respondents, as well as women overall.

A survey of 125 newcomers living temporarily in London and Middlesex found that younger people, especially international students, are more likely than others to either know many neighbours or none at all.

Immigrants have higher education levels and more pronounced concentrations in specific fields than non-immigrants. Recent arrivals are especially concentrated in engineering and business, while non-permanent residents have the highest overall education levels and the largest shares in both fields.

Recent immigrants are concentrated in low- and middle-income groups, but over time their distribution more closely resembles that of non-immigrants.

Racialized immigrants have increased significantly in recent periods, while Christian immigrants have remained predominant throughout.

French-speaking immigrants in London have increased significantly in both number and diversity since 2001.

Between 2012 and 2020, immigrants admitted in 2016, along with family-sponsored and government-assisted refugees in 2020, had the highest 3-year retention rates.

From 2016 to 2024, declining natural growth further increased the prominence of international migration as the main driver of population growth in the London CMA.

In 2021, London saw a record number of landed immigrants with pre-admission experience, who earned higher employment incomes in most admission categories

In 2023, London, Ontario saw a record number of International Mobility Program (IMP) work permit holders.

In 2021, Muslim racialized immigrants and non-racialized immigrants from Other religions and spiritual traditions had the highest unemployment rates in London

The number of international students in London CMA has almost tripled between 2015 and 2023

The number of permits granted to international students destined for London has tripled between 2015 and 2023

The post-secondary school attendance rate among immigrants in selected Census Metropolitan Areas in Ontario is higher than that of non-immigrants.

The self-employment rate among immigrants across various Census Metropolitan Areas in Ontario is higher compared to non-immigrants.

The percentage of the racialized population with a university education is higher, but their employment income is lower than that of the white population.

The pandemic likely affected the youth rate of employment and education

Education and Income by visible minority and immigrant status

Youth not in Employment, Education or Training

Immigrants are more likely to be over-qualified in their jobs

Immigrants are contributing in all sectors of London’s economy

London’s student population is growing

Immigrants with degrees from abroad are less likely to be employed

Immigrants are aging, but recent immigration makes population younger

London is among the top cities in Canada in number of resettled refugees

The pride in becoming a Canadian citizen

Immigrant women play a vital role in London’s workforce

Multiculturalism is on the rise in London

Racialized population has high level of education

Black Population by Origin and Selected Indicators

Immigrants and racialized population are more likely to be unemployed

There is diversity of religion among the racialized population of London

Immigrants spend more of their income on housing than non-immigrants

Twenty-five percent of London’s population are immigrants

Most households with income below $50,000 are renters

For people with non-official mother tongue, children are more likely to know English or French

Arabic is the top non-official language mother tongue in London

Immigrants make London a truly multicultural community

Immigrants could help alleviate our ageing crisis

Immigrants are choosing to stay in London

London is the fastest growing city in Ontario

Visible minorities in London tend to have a lower income on average than non-visible minorities

Immigrants succeed in University and College at high rates

Almost one fifth of Londoners are visible minorities

Immigrants are highly educated but earn lower incomes Part 2b

Immigrants are highly educated but earn lower incomes Part 2a

Immigrants are helping us get through the covid-19 pandemic Part 1b

Immigrants are helping us get through the covid-19 pandemic Part 1a

London is doing a good job at retaining immigrants